A Curved Truss?

Once again we are working on a unique project with a series curved glulam trusses with douglas fir struts.  As you move back into the structure the span of the truss decreases and the roof slopes down.  So, because of the curve each truss is similar in appearance but unique.  The architect on this project came up with a truncated cone on it's side for the geometry.

Here is the outer most truss on it's own.  The rods that you see sticking out of the top of the truss are there to attach the rafter system to.  When finish the roof system will also be curved.

This image shows the rest of the trusses in the structure.  You can see the change in the geometry in this picture as well.

I just wanted to share something unique that will be going through the shop.  As always, visit Vermont Timber Works website. 

Dutch Barn Concept

An old Dutch barn has inspired an owner and his Architect to create a modern version for his residence.  The home will have high vaulted ceilings and the great room will be vaulted for two stories.  What would have been the hay loft will be second floor bedroom and common space.  Because of the larger spans douglas fir was selected for a species.  There is still a lot of work to be done on this one but it can be very interesting yet traditional.

Unique Timber Frame Home

Unique buildings are where we really shine, here at Vermont Timber Works.  Yes we do simple trusses and barns and pavilions but (at least in the engineering department) the ones we find most enjoyable are the ones that make us stop and scratch our heads.  Sometimes we stop and scratch our head because we just aren't sure how the timber frame incorporates itself into the rest of the building.  Other times the frame is really unique and is a one off situation.  Sometimes it's a combination of the two, which is the case for the frame pictured above.

The frame pictured above is a residence.  I could not have drawn it without the help of the architects bid documents, imported dxf file, or pictures of the balsa wood model that was created.  The floors step up and down and even though it's hard to see, each roof surface has multiple pitches to it.  The other aspect that is difficult to draw is that none of the walls really line up on top of each other.  All these complications combine to make it hard to track the loading thru the building down to the foundation.  This is when us engineers stop and scratch our heads.

Douglas Fir Saltbox

It's quiet this week in the office.  Almost all of the people in the shop are down in Connecticut raising some trusses for a church.

 

So, while they are away I'm working on a Saltbox on an island in Canada.  Even for being a smaller frame all of the walls have lots of glass so I'm sure that the views on site are incredible.  Seismic loading is going to control the lateral design of this frame.  So what is a saltbox house?  Well, read this Historic House Blog to get more information.

 

I f you want to see more styles of timber frames like this saltbox, visit Vermont Timber Works.

Modified King Post Trusses

This week I'm working on the design of a modified king post trusses.  The trick to the modified king post truss is the design of the top chord.  Depending on where the tie is placed and the how much tension is being transferred it adds to the bending stresses of the top chord.  This typically increases the size of the top chord.

The image is from cadwork which is the drafting software I use.  Here are some other examples of modified king post trusses from Vermont Timber Works.

Timber Pool House

This is what's next for me to design today.  This is a douglas fir pool house. The beams on the right, which are a lighter color, are glulam because of the long span and the loading from the trusses.  For the main part of the building the trusses span 35 feet, spaced 12 feet on center and the roof pitch is 12:12.  I haven't looked into any of the building loads yet but if it is in snow country, I'll be checking drifting snow.

If your looking for other great timber frame ideas check out Vermont Timber Works.

Douglas Fir Platform

Okay so you're not going to see the boat house.  Last week ran away from me and now I'm on to the next project.  I'm currently working on a loading platform.  This is a douglas fir frame with a canvas "roof."  The canvas is only meant to cover the people below from the sun and rain and will be removed for the winter months.  The beams will be let into the columns but otherwise the members will be joined with bolts.